Pasadena Water & Power

Water Quality Reports

The California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW) requires Pasadena Water and Power to provide annual water quality testing results to its consumers.

These reports are designed to inform you about drinking water quality and to consider the challenges of delivering a safe and protected supply of drinking water. We encourage you to read the reports carefully to familiarize yourself with the protection and conservation of Pasadena 's valuable water resources.

PWP is required by DDW to test well water for organic chemicals, minerals, metals, and bacteria. PWP is also required to test regularly for bacteria and total trihalomethanes in our distribution system. Lead and copper are tested in tap water from selected residences. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), our supplier of imported water, is responsible for testing their treated water.

REPORT ON PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS

PWP’s triennial Public Health Goal reports are prepared to address the requirements set forth in Section 116470 of the California Health and Safety Code. These reports provide information regarding all contaminants detected in PWP’s water supply at levels that exceed the applicable Public Health Goals set by the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water or Maximum Contaminant Level Goal established by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The 2016 report provides information for calendar years 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Water Quality Notice: 1,2,3-Trichloropropane Detected in Two PWP Water Wells

In February 2014, PWP confirmed trace amounts of 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP) in two of its wells. It was detected at a concentration of 9 parts per trillion in PWP’s Woodbury Well, on the east side of the City, and at 7 parts per trillion in the Bangham Well, on the west side of the City at the City Yards. The Woodbury Well currently remains in service and the Bangham Well is temporarily out of service due to construction.

The 1,2,3-TCP does not pose a significant health risk to PWP’s water customers at the levels detected locally, according to the Pasadena Public Health Department.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Water Service

Where does tap water come from?

There are two major sources of tap water: surface water, and groundwater. Surface water comes from lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Groundwater comes from wells that are drilled into aquifers. An aquifer is an underground geologic formation through which water flows slowly.

Where does PWP water come from?

About 41% of the supply is groundwater from the Raymond Groundwater Basin and is pumped out of 16 deep wells located throughout Pasadena, 58% of the water is imported from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and consists of a blend of water from Northern California and the Colorado River. The remaining 1 percent is purchased from neighboring water agencies that combine surface water and groundwater.

How much water is used daily in Pasadena?

PWP customers use, in total, approximately 27 million gallons of water each day!

How is the Groundwater in the Raymond Basin replenished?

Rainfall is the main source of water that replenishes the Raymond Groundwater Basin. PWP and other water agencies only pump water out of the Raymond Basin that is equal to what is naturally replenished. During a drought, however, the groundwater levels will slowly drop because there is little or no rainwater or mountain runoff to replenish the basin.

What is the Hahamongna Watershed Park?

The Hahamongna Watershed Park is approximately 1,300 acres of open space extending up the Arroyo Seco Canyon from Devil’s Gate Dam. There are four water wells within the HWP basin owned by the City of Pasadena.

What is the Devil’s Gate Dam?

The Devil’s Gate Dam was constructed in 1920 and renovated in 1998. It is used for flood protection and as a water reservoir to recharge the Raymond Basin Aquifer. The Devil’s Gate Dam is owned by Los Angeles County Public Works.

What are the major components of the PWP water distribution system?

PWP has 16 active wells that feed groundwater into various reservoirs. There are 18 reservoirs throughout the city that hold well water and purchased water from the Metropolitan Water District. Jones Reservoir, PWP’s largest reservoir, can hold about 50 million gallons of water and Lida Reservoir is the smallest with a 0.43 million gallon capacity. The water is disinfected and blended in the reservoir then distributed to the customers through a pipeline network of 502 miles of mains throughout the city.

Is Pasadena’s water safe to drink?

Yes. The water delivered to your water meter meets all state and federal drinking water standards and is safe to use without further treatment. However, you, the user, are responsible for plumbing and treatment devices installed on your property. Sub-standard, illegal, old, improperly installed and/or improperly maintained plumbing or water treatment devices may adversely affect the water quality coming from the taps inside your home or business. A list of National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF International) approved water treatment devices and plumbing materials is available by calling the NSF International at (800) 673-8010 or log onto their web site: http://www.nsf.org/consumer/drinking_water

How does PWP test the water?

PWP is required by state and federal law to regularly test the water. We have a crew of state certified field and laboratory personnel who sample and test the water every day of the year, including weekends and holidays. The water is tested with varying frequency at approximately 300 locations around the City. The water meets all state and federal drinking water standards. There are over 170 different constituents in the water that are tested by PWP. The amount of each constituent allowed in the water and the frequency with which we test for each constituent varies greatly and is regulated by the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). PWP monitors state regulations as to water quality and assuring that Pasadena water always meets or exceeds federal and state standards. Customers can review the PWP Annual Consumer Confidence Report on Water Quality so they can feel confident that the stringent testing and tough water quality guidelines are met.

How can I have my water tested?

If you have a specific concern (e.g. lead contamination from your plumbing) or would just like to verify our test results, services for water testing are available from commercial and environmental laboratories for a fee. This fee varies depending on the number of constituents you would like tested in the water. A simple lead test will usually cost around thirty to fifty dollars. If you had the water tested for everything that PWP tests for, it would cost well over a thousand dollars. You can obtain references for qualified laboratories by contacting the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW) at (818) 551-2004.

Do water filters work and should I use one?

As with most products, some filters work better than others and some do not work at all. If you do install a water filter, follow the operating and maintenance instructions very carefully. An improperly installed and/or maintained filter can adversely affect the water quality. There are many types of filters available, each type works differently and will remove different substances from the water. It will be very helpful for you to know exactly why you want to filter the water before you speak to a seller of water treatment devices. If you choose to filter your water, there are several resources available to assist you in choosing a filter that works properly and will meet your needs. Consumer Reports Magazine will occasionally compare the various types of water filters and explain which types remove which constituents. They also compare various models and report on which ones work the best. A list of National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF International) approved water treatment devices is available by calling (800) 673-8010.

How is water quality measured?

Water fromPWP's groundwater wells, imported water from MWD, and purchased water from neighboring water agencies are of high quality. These sources of water may taste different because they have different mineral contents. While water quality is measured by chemical and biological analysis, taste is determined by mineral content and the disinfectant processes. Taste may vary depending on where water comes from and how it is treated. For more information about your water, call (626) 744-4005.

I read about the problem of oil spills. Do they pollute drinking water sources?

Although oil spilled in the oceans is bad for the environment, it is not a danger to drinking water sources. However, ship and barge accidents can contaminate surface water sources (rivers and lakes). Many highways and railroad tracks pass over drinking water sources, creating a potential for contamination if a truck or freight train accident occurs. These types of accidents do not directly affect groundwater sources.

What can I safely pour down the sink or into the toilet?

If your home is on a municipal sewage system, the following can be safely poured down a drain, followed by flush water: disinfectants, rust removers, hair relaxers, water-based glues, drain cleaners, aluminum cleaners, window cleaners, and photographic chemicals. A hazardous waste contractor should dispose of all other liquid home products. A similar type of list has not been developed for homes with a septic tank. Contact the City of Pasadena Department of Public Works at (626) 744-4087 to get information on the disposal of specific products.

How can I help prevent pollution of drinking water sources?

Properly dispose of the chemicals you use in your home. Every chemical you buy has the potential of polluting the environment if disposed of improperly. Remember, if your home is served by a sewage system, your drain is an entrance to your wastewater disposal system and eventually to a drinking water source. Discharges from septic tank drain fields may pollute groundwaters. Treat your wastewater system with respect.

Do I need to be concerned about lead in my drinking water?

The water supplied by PWP to your home carries no detectable amount of lead. However, in rare cases, lead can dissolve into water from your own plumbing. This is most likely to happen if you have lead pipes or copper pipes with lead solder. Lead may dissolve into the water while the water is not moving, generally overnight or at times when water supply is not used for several hours.

If you think you have pipes containing lead, you can protect yourself from lead in your drinking water by developing a few simple water-use habits that are good precautionary measures for everyone to follow:

Before taking that first drink of water in the morning, or anytime when water has been standing in a pipeline for several hours, allow the faucet to run for about 30 seconds. Catch this water in a pitcher for watering houseplants and other uses.

When drawing water for cooking, use the coldwater tap. Cold water is less likely to leach lead from solder.

If plumbing repairs are required, make sure the work is being done with lead-free solder.

Can my home water lines be tested for lead?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a “high risk” designation for homes with lead pipes or copper pipes with lead solder installed within the last twenty years. These homes are covered by a federally mandated sampling program and their water may be tested free of charge. There is a service charge for water sampling of homes not in the “high risk” category. To participate in the sampling program or simply to get more information about water quality, please contact: (626) 744-4005.

What is “hard” water?

Hardness in drinking water is determined by the amount of calcium and magnesium it contains. These minerals are harmless, but they can cause temporary white spots on glasses and make soap difficult to lather.

Pasadena’s water has an average hardness of 12.9 grains per gallon and it is considered to be very hard. There is no known health effect that is caused by hard water. Like other minerals, calcium and magnesium are beneficial to human health.

Why does my water sometimes look cloudy and is hard? Is this safe?

Some Pasadena residents have noticed that their tap water can be unusually hard and/or cloudy. Both of these issues can be traced to the drought’s effect on our water supplies. Neither of these issues poses a health risk. The cloudy or milky/white appearance is due to air bubbles. The amount in PWP’s water is higher than normal because the local water table is lower than it has been for quite some time. With lower water tables, PWP’s wells draw more air into the water when it is pumped out. When this water is delivered to customers’ taps, it often comes out appearing cloudy, or milky/white. This will clear in a few moments if allowed to settle. PWP water quality officials want to reassure Pasadena residents that there is no cause for concern about the health impacts of hard water.

How does water become hard?

Water becomes hard as it passes over or through certain geological formations that contain calcium or magnesium. For example, groundwater becomes hard as it percolates down to the water table though limestone deposits containing calcium, or though dolomite and other magnesium bearing minerals that dissolve into water. Surface water imported to Pasadena is hard because it has passed over similar formations as it flows hundreds of miles from the Colorado River and from the streams in Northern California.

When should you expect hard water in Pasadena?

Because the source of PWP’s water varies at different times of the year, the hardness of our drinking water also varies. Typically, the water is the softest from May to September when we rely on groundwater from local wells. Our water is the hardest from October to April, when PWP purchases more imported surface water from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD).

How is hard water "softened"?

Household water softeners typically use salt to reduce hardness in water. As water passes through the unit, sodium atoms in the salt replace calcium and magnesium atoms. Some cities have banned the use of water softeners because they discharge a waste that contains large amounts of chloride.

Over time the salt-bearing unit must be changed or recharged to remain effective. In purchasing a water softener, be aware of various recharging procedures, since these vary significantly from model to model. If you do install a water softener, follow the operating and maintenance instructions very carefully.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of "soft water"?

Soft water can help maintain the unobstructed flow in water pipes and extend the life of bathtubs, sinks, and toilets by minimizing the buildup of mineral deposits. It can also reduce soapy films on tubs and shower tiles, promote thorough rinsing of shampoos and soaps, and improve the efficiency of water heaters. Washing clothes in soft water requires less soap.

Excessively "soft water" can cause corrosion in pipes. Also, increased levels of sodium in softened drinking water may pose a health consideration for some people on restricted sodium diets.

Why does my dishwater leave spots on my glasses?

Harmless minerals that remain on the glass when the water evaporates cause the spots that may appear on glassware after it is washed or air-dried. Commercial products are available that allow the water to drain from the glassware more completely. Spots on glass shower doors appear for the same reason.

Is it okay to use hot tap water for cooking?

Not from the tap: use cold water instead. Hot water is more likely to contain rust and lead from your household plumbing and water heater.

Why does my drinking water taste or smell “funny”, and will this smelly water make me sick?

The three most common reasons for bad tasting or smelling water are: a funny taste can come from the chlorine that is added to the water to kill germs; A harmless, smelly chemical---hydrogen sulfide---dissolved in the water causes a rotten-egg odor in some groundwater; As algae grow in surface water sources, they give off harmless, smelly chemicals that can cause unpleasant tastes in drinking water. If you are concerned about the taste of your tap water, please call (626) 744-4005.

What can I do if my drinking water taste or smell “funny”?

Here are few suggestions you can take if you detect a funny taste or smell in your water;

Store drinking water in closed glass container in the refrigerator. Warm drinking water has more taste that cold drinking water.

Mix the drinking water in an electric blender for 5 minutes. Mixing the water may remove some of the bad taste but not all of it.

Some people are sensitive to chlorine taste and smell. Boiling the water for 5 minutes should remove most, if not all, of the chlorine.

Adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to refrigerated water may result in pleasant tasting water.

If you are concerned about the taste of your tap water, please call (626) 744-4005.

If I want to kill all of the germs in my drinking water, what should I do?

Boil the water for 5 minutes (use a timer) after it reaches to a full boil on a stove or in a microwave oven. Do not count the time it takes for the water to reach full boiling. This should be done during emergencies only because this process uses a lot of energy and concentrates some chemicals (nitrates and pesticides) if they are present in the drinking water. However, the advantage of killing the germs outweighs the disadvantage of the slight worsening of water quality (concentrating the chemicals).

Is there fluoride in my drinking water?

The water PWP purchases from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which supplies about 58% of PWP’s drinking water, is fluoridated to a level of 0.7 to 1.0 parts per million (ppm). Before drinking water is delivered to your home or business tap, the fluoridated water is blended with PWP’s groundwater. Since the groundwater has naturally occurring fluoride levels of 0.4 to 1.4 ppm, the resulting average concentration of fluoride in our community drinking water is 0.9 ppm. At this range, fluoride has been proven to be effective in preventing tooth decay. For more information about fluoridation, oral health, and current issues, please visit www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/drinkingwater/Pages/Fluoridation.aspx.

Why does my drinking water sometimes appear cloudy or milky?

Air in the water can create a cloudy or milky appearance. Turning on a faucet releases pressure in the water piping system, causing hundreds of tiny air bubbles to form. Like the carbon dioxide in soft drinks, the air bubbles will disappear after a few minutes.

Why does my drinking water sometimes have a reddish or yellowish color?

Rust in household water pipes or in water pipes under city streets can create the reddish or yellowish color. The rust is a compound of iron and oxygen that is harmless in drinking water but can stain clothes and porcelain fixtures. Some rusting color is most noticeable after pipe repairs or during periods of low water use. To determine the source of rust, let water run from a faucet in your home. If the water clears after a few minutes, the rust may be coming from household water pipes. If the water clears only after a long period of time, the rust may be coming from city water pipes. In that instance, please call (626) 744-4005 to speak to a PWP customer representative.

How can I be sure that the water standards are set appropriately?

National and state drinking water regulations require the monitoring of all public water systems for more than 100 substances that could cause adverse health effects. Most water quality standards were established after significant research and represent the maximum and safe level of a substance that can be consumed by a person drinking two liters per day for seventy years. PWP's water continually tests safe and is in compliance with both state and federal regulations.

Why is disinfectant added to the water?

Disinfectants, such as chlorine, stop bacteria from growing in water pipelines. PWP uses disinfectants where necessary throughout the water system. If the slight chlorine taste or smell is bothersome, you can chill your water overnight in the refrigerator or boil it for 5 minutes. The chlorine compounds will dissipate reducing the smell and taste.

Should I buy bottled water?

You shouldn’t buy bottled water for health reasons (see NOTE below) as your drinking water meets all of the federal, state, or local drinking water standards. If you want a drink with a different taste, you can buy bottled water, but it costs about 1,000 times as much as municipal drinking water. Note that the US bottled-water industry is less regulated than municipal drinking water. The US Food and Drug Administration only requires that the bottled water be clear and safe for human consumption without imposing specific water quality requirements, and the quality of the finished product is not monitored. Certain bottlers simply fill their bottles with city drinking water, thus producing “bottled water”. Studies have shown that microbes can grow in the bottles while on grocers’ shelves, and the toxin antimony is being absorbed into bottled water from their plastic containers.

NOTE: Individuals placed on a highly restrictive sodium diet should have their doctors suggest a brand of bottled water that contains less sodium.

What are the causes of low water pressure, and should low water pressure concern me?

Temporary low pressure can be caused by heavy water use in your area – lots of lawn watering, a water main break, fighting a nearby fire, etc. Permanent low pressure could be caused by the location of your home – on a hill or far from the booster pump plant – or your home may be served by pipes in the street that are too small.

Low pressure is more than just a nuisance. The water system depends on pressure to keep out any contamination. If the pressure drops, the possibility of pollution entering the drinking water increases. You should report any permanent drop in water pressure to PWP by calling 744-4138.

Many areas have minimum standards for pressure. For example, 20 pounds per square inch (psi) when water use is at a maximum is a common standard (car tires often use 30 to 32 psi of air). Most systems have pressures three to four times the minimum. You may be surprised to learn that you can have too much pressure. Some homes need pressure regulators to avoid damaging household plumbing from very high water pressures.

What is graywater?

Graywater refers to the reuse of water drained from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs for irrigation and other water conservation applications. It does not include waste water from toilets, kitchen sinks, photo lab sinks, dishwashers, or laundry from soiled diapers as this is considered to be “blackwater”. Graywater must be distributed subsurface and can be used to maintain lawns, fruit trees, flowers, shrubs and groundcovers. It can be used to irrigate any exterior landscaping except vegetable gardens. For more guidelines on installing graywater systems, please review this code compliance document or call Code Compliance at 744-4633 for questions.

How should I water my lawn to avoid wasting water?

In accordance with city code for preventing water waste, outdoor watering must NOT occur between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm., and sprinklers and plumbing leaks must be fixed within 7 hours. Watering during rain is also prohibited.

Since outdoor irrigation accounts for 50-70% of water use in Pasadena, appropriate irrigation practices are a top priority for achieving our water conservation goals. PWP recommends watering no more than three times per week during warmer months, and no more than one day per week during cooler months

Landscape irrigation can be reduced by replacing water-thirsty turf with water-wise plants, which provide an attractive landscape that demands far less maintenance. If you plan on removing your lawn, be sure to take advantage of PWP's Turf Removal Program.

My water faucet drips a little; should I bother to fix it?

Yes. Drips waste a precious product, and this waste should be stopped, even though the dripping water may not register on your water meter. To find out how much water you’re wasting, put a measuring cup under the drip and find out how many minutes it takes to fill it up. Divide the filling time into 90 (90 + minutes to fill) to get the gallons of water wasted each day.

Why can’t ocean water be treated to make drinking water?

Ocean water can be treated but building and operating a desalination plant and transporting the water to Pasadena would be too expensive. The cost of converting salt water to drinking water has been estimated at $5 to $7 per 1,000 gallons. Ocean water is extremely salty and would take a substantial amount of energy to convert it to drinking water.

How do I handle water emergencies?

Water is vital to everyday life, necessary for health and should never be taken for granted. It is very important to be prepared for water emergencies BEFORE they occur.

Earthquakes, floods, high winds, droughts and forest or brush fires are events that can create water emergencies. Likewise, broken water mains, power outages, treatment plant breakdowns, and failure of storage tanks or equipment are considered "water system" emergencies.

Learn how to shut off the main water valve to your house. Make sure you know the location of the valve; have the necessary tools to operate it; and mark it with fluorescent paint or tape for locating the valve in the dark.

Purchase bottled water or store water in clean unbreakable containers that can be properly sealed or capped after filling. It is recommended to have at least one gallon of water per person per day (remember to store for pets too), and store enough water for three to five days. Keep water stored in a cool area away from direct sunlight. Water should be replaced every six months.

If you must use tap water during a water emergency, make sure your water has been disinfected by boiling it for 5 minutes or you can use water-disinfecting tablets (4 tablets per gallon), tincture of iodine (12 drops per gallon) or liquid chlorine (8-10 drops per gallon). After treatment, mix the water thoroughly and let it stand for 30 minutes before use.

If the water has been chemically polluted, these methods will not disinfect your water: Do not use this water.

f you experience a water emergency, please call 744-4138.

How does PWP know how much water I use in my home?

Most households have a water meter that measures the amount of water used in the home. The water meters are read automatically on a regular schedule. The previous reading is subtracted from the current reading to determine the amount of water actually used.

How does PWP know that my water meter is accurate?

PWP has programs to routinely test water meters. This is done on a rotating basis to make sure the meters are accurate. Of course, if your recorded water use changes suddenly for no obvious reason, report this to PWP so it can be investigated. Note, additional people in the home, a sprinkler leak and/or excessive lawn watering can make your water bill higher.

How should I fill my fish aquarium?

First, allow at least 1 gallon of water to run from the tap before using the water to fill the aquarium. This will flush any copper or zinc from copper or galvanized piping in your home; tropical fish are very sensitive to small amounts of copper or zinc in their water. Saving this water for other purposes, such as plant watering, is a good conservation measure. With a plate in one hand, pour water over the plate into the aquarium, allowing the water to drop about 1 foot before hitting the plate. This will add air (oxygen) to the water. Let the water sit in the aquarium for an hour or two until it reaches room temperature. Consult your local pet store to learn how to test for and remove any disinfectant in the water. Remove the disinfectant from the water in the aquarium before adding the fish.

Where does the toilet water go when flushed?

It goes into a sewer pipeline system that flows into the Los Angeles County Sanitation district’s wastewater treatment plant where one of two things will happen following treatment: it will become recycled water for irrigation purposes or discharged into the ocean.

What is being done to protect Pasadena’s water supply from current or future contamination?

PWP conducts sanitary surveys of the Arroyo and Eaton Canyon streams regularly. These streams supplement our groundwater supplies. The Department of Public Works has waste disposal programs so that customers can remove hazardous materials appropriately.

Who should I call if I have a problem with my tap water?

PWP wants to know if you have a problem with your tap water.

For water emergencies, please call (626) 744-4138. For all other non-emergency questions call (626) 744-4005.

Where can I get more information about my tap water?

PWP is the best source of information about what’s in your tap water, how it’s treated, where it comes from, and many other things.

For water quality questions, call PWP Water Quality Manager David Kimbrough at 626-744-7315.

The following agencies also provide a lot of reliable information:

California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water(818) 551-2004 www.waterboards.ca.gov